Middle-aged flash packers

Day 2 -Exploring Cuenca 

Any thoughts of attending the hotel gym were quashed by Steve’s cold and my sore arm. Instead we stayed in bed, ate danish pastries and looked at our phones. Honestly, anyone would think we’re on holiday.

Eventually we dragged ourselves out to explore the old section of Cuenca.

Now a UNESCO heritage centre, Cuenca  was repatriated from the Muslims in the 12 century. A huge cathedral was built on the site of the former mosque and after a wander up the steep hill to the  centre, we started with an exploration of the cathedral. 

We were there a very long time, much longer than expected as a rainstorm of biblical proportions meant that we did not wish to even step outside. As a result every nook and cranny was explored. As cathedrals go, I was a bit disappointed. There was no atmosphere at all, it felt like a mish mash of styles with lots of side chapels for the wealthy of the time, giving it a disjointed feel. I did like the modern stained glass windows though. Designed by Gustav Torner, what little light there was from the gloom outside flooded in and lit up sections of the cathedral.

Next we went to see the hanging houses (Casas Colgadas) which look as though they are going to drop onto the rocks below. Afterwards we walked across the iron bridge.

Lunchtime and everywhere was packed. Like the Italians, Spanish families get together  on a Sunday so we were left with very little choice of where to eat. We settled on a very empty restaurant (uh oh) but it soon filled up. Steve had the local speciality which is morteruelo, a meat pate. He had a massive bowl of it, initially delivered without any bread! It tasted similar to a cross between pulled pork and beef pate. Not to my taste tbh and I’m not sure how S managed to eat a whole bowlful of it but naturally he did!

Next, a hike along a canyon path leading down from the highest point of the old town. It took us past the very unusual rock formations made by the rivers  Júcar and Huecar. The path then dropped down to the river which is a very pretty green colour and we meandered along, dodging rain showers and listening to the birds singing. We saw very few people. The trail’s name is “Senda de San Julián El Tranquilo” and it was indeed very tranquil. Probably my favourite part of the day.

We followed the river along  to Old Cuenca and  then back to our hotel. The sun came out and all was well with the world. 

The weather looks like it’s going to be a bit better tomorrow so we are hoping to walk in the Serrania de Cuenca National Park.